With an increase in overnight crime this year, and with schools back in session, Allen County law enforcement announced they will begin enforcing an overnight curfew on young people.
It’s been twelve years since the last curfew was enacted. State legislators revisited the statute when it was deemed unconstitutional, for discouraging teens from “exercising their First Amendment rights for fear of being arrested.”
Several defenses were added to the curfew statute -- interstate travel, work hours and attending religious or political events, to name a few -- in an effort to protect those rights.
Northeast Indiana will enact its curfew in compliance with the revised statute. Teens ages 15 through 17 are subject to the curfew, which aims to keep them off the streets between 11pm - 5am on Monday through Friday, and 1 - 5am on Saturday and Sunday.
The Fort Wayne Police Department highlights more than 500 juvenile arrests the last year. FWPD spokesman Michael Joyner says there’s been an uptick in overnight crime -- notably car theft -- in that time. He says officers have a plan when encountering offenders.
“By being able to stop and interview and just greet and find out what they’re doing, this will be a great tool for law enforcement,” said Joyner. “Officers will be actively using this as a tool during routine patrols.”
A teen caught violating the curfew will first be taken home, or to the Allen County Juvenile Center if the parents aren’t home. If the teen repeatedly violates the curfew, the Allen County Prosecutor's Office could become involved, and the teen’s parents or guardians could face felony charges.
Joyner says positive effects of the curfew could resonate with families in the community.
“It can have far-reaching potential here, not necessarily immediately for the juvenile, but for the juvenile’s parent, parents or guardian.”
Judge Dan Heath of the Allen County Superior Court advocated for the curfew. He says it isn’t solely meant to “keep kids off the streets,” and notes several benefits it brings.
“It’s not just a matter of dealing with immediate violent crime, but you might protect property, protect the juveniles because responsible adults are arming themselves to protect their property,” said Heath.
“It’s as much a protection on them as it is the community itself.”
Heath says a multifaceted approach of better parenting, knowing where their kids are and teaching the teens to respect laws could go far in reducing crime. He says it’s critical for the parents to remain involved in their teen's lives.
“It’s a tool; it’s not the cure,” he said. “The real cure is revisiting our skills as parents in our community, making sure children are in activities that keep them occupied, that spark their interests.”
Heath says one way to improve youth activity in the community is to put more funding and attention toward organizations like Big Brothers, Big Sisters and the YMCA.
